Vietnam is reeling after relentless rains and floods killed at least 41 people in central regions since the weekend. Authorities continue searching for nine more who are still missing.

Vietnam’s heavy downpours submerged over 52,000 homes and left roughly half a million households and businesses without power. Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated to safer areas. Rainfall exceeded 1.5 meters (5 feet) in several places over the past three days. Some areas even surpassed the 1993 flood peak.

Vietnam has faced extreme weather in recent months. Two typhoons, Kalmaegi and Bualoi, struck within weeks. They left widespread destruction and dozens dead. The government estimates natural disasters caused $2 billion in damage between January and October this year.

Vietnam’s worst-hit areas include Hoi An and Nha Trang, along with central highlands coffee-growing regions. Farmers there are struggling as crops were already damaged by prior storms. In Dak Lak, the country’s largest coffee-producing province, tens of thousands of homes were submerged. Vietnam is a major exporter of robusta coffee, used in instant coffee and espresso blends.

Vietnamese authorities expect the heavy rains to continue until at least Sunday. Military and police units have set up emergency shelters and assisted in relocating residents. A state of emergency was declared after landslides damaged major roads. Part of the Mimosa Pass, a key route into Da Lat, collapsed into a ravine. A bus narrowly avoided falling in.

Vietnamese media shared images of people stranded on rooftops. Videos show a suspension bridge in Lam Dong province torn from its anchors. Business owners, like restaurant owner Bui Quoc Vinh in Nha Trang, report shops submerged under about a meter of water.

Vietnam has suffered repeated typhoon damage this year. Typhoon Kalmaegi killed at least five in central Vietnam after leaving 188 dead in the Philippines. Typhoon Bualoi killed 11 in September, hitting central and northern regions with winds up to 117 km/h (73 mph).

Vietnamese experts warn that climate change is intensifying storms. Typhoons are becoming stronger, wetter, and more frequent. The risks to lives, homes, and livelihoods continue to grow.

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